Ask Dromund Kaas Consolidating Resources 3: Return of the King

[Vossari Khaldun]

It's another Vossari/Trael Adventure! How will the Sith Order's darling wrean bother the living hell out of the would-be Drast? With a trip to Dromuund Kaas!

The lightning storms coated the jungles of Dromuund Kaas this evening as Vossari sat in the spaceport, yet again. Earlier in the year, a rogue operative had executed the Oligarchs that ruled in the absence of the Sith Empire. Now, a resurgent kingdom of Darth Arcanos longed to reclaim the bureaucratic throne of the old Sith realm. Korriban had always been the spiritual home of the Sith, and Dromuund Kaas, the muscle. With the two together, his rule would be unopposed by interlopers or other factions.

So it was very important that Vossari put aside his feelings of stinging jealousy towards the attention that Azar gave Trael. Trael had always been a chill guy, after all, and they got into so much dumb shit together. He was someone who lived by a personal code, and wouldn't budge from it even when it was convenient. Vossari resonated with that. The wrean felt like he was always true to his own core. He could respect that Trael was always true to himself, too.

Vossari aimed to arrive on the planet about a week before he sent the missive to Trael to come. Vossari got settled into an apartment in the city, enjoying a moment of peace and solitude amongst the mostly destitute world before he got to work. On the day Trael would arrive, Vossari would exit a meeting with some signed paperwork. Vossari Khaldun was now the proud owner of the land beneath the space port, bought at above market rate for a wartorn backwater like Dromuund Kaas.

He welcomed Trael into the board room, with a spray of confetti and a mimosa. "Trael! You're just in time - cut the ribbon!" Vossari fashioned a party had onto his head. He offered a comically large pair of shears to Trael as he showed a ribbon cup. "Welcome, to the Subterrel Gem Mining Corp's first expansion into real estate. This is the War Room!" He gestured widely to the starport around them. "With the spaceport ours, we now control the flow of goods on and off world. We have to leverage our power."

With him was a Tundian sorceress, Ix-Zamara. A small number of their forces would be ready for missions magical and discreet. Next to her was Angus Neet, a Selkath investor and member of the Order of Shasa. Vossari had planted him on the corporation's board - he would serve as a confidential financial adviser. Finally, there was XTC-SGMC, a droid foreman and architect who could destroy any build or build any new one. He was programmed with a full layout and map of Dromuund Kaas's megapolis. "Who do you want to start with?"

"And, uh, how you been..." Vossari was trying to practice being more personable. He struggled. "Buddy?"

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael had been invited to Dromund Kaas by Vossari. Since Trael’s time away from the order Vossari had become a champion. His ship came careening through the stormy weather making its way to the star port. He set his ship down in the hangar and collected his gear. He had a pair of vibroknives, his saber and a blaster pistol. He put on a rain jacket which hid his lightsaber and vibroknives.

He made his way off his ship and into the space port. He made his way through it heading towards the conference rooms. As he walked into the board room he was met by confetti and a drink. Trael wiped the confetti off of him as Voss was welcoming him, “I hope you’re not compensating for something.” He said casually looking at the comically large shears. He entertained the Wrean and cut the ribbon cup before listening to his explanation. “The space port gives us more leverage than anyone else has.” He stated in agreement.

Trael looked amongst the gathered advisors. He was given a brief rundown by Voss on each of them before he got here. His gaze flicked between the group as he tried to formulate an action plan. He needed more information, “I think a good place to start would be getting a run down on the city and its status.” He said after a moment of silence, “How much disrepair is the city and the old Sith headquarters in?” He asked the droid. “I’d also like the status and usability of the old military industrial complex that was present.” He added. If they worked to rebuild the city then the established parties would be more favorable. The droid seemed to compile through its files as it was doing so his attention turned to Voss

He gave Voss a curious look when he seemed to take an interest in how Trael was doing. The Wrean hadn’t once done so before, and he’d likely be slightly more upset towards him now that him and Azar are official. “I’ve been surviving. How have you been rockstar?” He asked remembering that he was still considered one of Tempest chosen.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari wrapped Trael in a big hug for a moment, patting him on the back. It had been years. Vossari had kept an eye on the closest thing he had to a platonic ‘friend,’ after their mission on New Alderaan. Vossari had made sure the new board of the corporation wasn’t aware of his time in prison. “Dude, you got huge!” Trael wasn’t the first person to come back from prion ripped, but Voss was still impressed.

“Listen - you should know. When it comes to Azar, I’m fucking crazy.” Recent events had obviously evidenced this. “I, uh…. Look, we can still work together, right?” He was hopeful Trael would say yes. They both knew this world would be a wonderful asset for themselves and their love.

Vossari turned his attention to the droid, who in turn showed a map of the planet. “The old Sith headquarters is still in Kaas City in the North, and the military fortifications are dormant in the South and West.” The droid foreman buzzed as he chimed in.

“City is within acceptable parameters of ‘livability.’ There has been limited upkeep since the War. 60% of buildings in a state of disrepair.” What did this droid think ‘liveable’ meant.

The Selkath merchant rubbed his mandibles. We have the capacity to repair the civilian housing and businesses, or the Sith Headquarters, or the military complex. But not all three.” Vossari left the choice in Trael’s hands as he conferred with Ix-Zamara.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael had almost no expectations to be hugged by anyone other than Azar. Even then Vossari wasn’t even in the chart of potential candidates. Like if there was a list of who would never hug Trael Voss would be first, second, and third. So when the Wrean gave him a hug he just blinked in surprise and utter shock. “Well all I could do was work out and meditate.” He said as he squinted as Voss, “Never took you for a hugger will I have to tell you not to do it again?” He asked him still not fully comfortable with being hugged even if by a ‘friend’.

When Vossari went on about how he was crazy when it comes to Azar Trael chuckled, “Voss, you’re crazy in general.” He teased shaking his head, “But yes we are still good. A drink spilling on me won’t make me hate you.” He explained, “As long as you don’t try to fuck me over in a serious way.” He said with a flat tone the warning obvious. He looked around remembering they weren’t alone, “Also it’s Arcanos when there’s others present. Don’t forget that.” He reminded icily, Azar had made that point clear to Trael. So he would make sure it was a point that was followed regardless of how close the other was to him.

Trael listened as the members of the board gave their opinions on the state of things and the capacity they could act in. Voss mentioned the old Citadel and fortifications from the Sith, while the droid broke down the cities livability and state of disrepair. Did it just say 60% in disrepair and call this place livable? The Selkath advisor gave him the fact that they could only fix one of the district types. Trael examined the map and weighed his options.

He looked up after thinking it over, “Arcanos has been trying to be a King of respect over fear. I think we would bolster that message if we work on the civilian housing and businesses.” He stated confidently, “Ingratiating the populace will give us a more compliant work force and we could leverage them to pay taxes to us instead of our rivals. Those taxes and the workforce could be used to then work on and finish the other two projects.” He explained as clearly as he could, “Any thoughts and opinions on this plan of action?” He said looking among them. He wasn’t the old Trael that would commit to a plan half cocked. He would allow his support staff to weigh in and counter or support his idea first.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Arcanos. Arcanos, Arcanos, Árcanos. Vossari would have to get better at that. "No more hugs then, chief." Voss loved a good ambush hug, but he had no desire to fray Trael's nerves further. There would certainly come a time during this mission when Voss would do something stupid and unreasonable, so he'd save his goodwill for that moment.

"You raise an excellent point, Trael. A resilient, loyal population will build a more enduring regime for our king than a cowering, hungry one." Vossari scratched his chin pensively as he considered all the option before them. Each advisor, too, would weigh in. First was Ix-Zamara, representative of Tund.

Ix-Zamara's gaze shifted between Trael and Vossari, her eyes revealing a depth of insight. "The populace is not merely a means of taxation; they are conduits of arcane potential. By nurturing their well-being, we cultivate a wellspring of magical energy that can be harnessed to empower our endeavors. It is a delicate dance with the mystical forces that course through the very veins of this planet."

Angus Neet, the Selkath financial adviser, added, "From a financial standpoint, it's a sound approach. The taxes from a content populace will provide a steady income stream, allowing us to reinvest in the other areas more efficiently."

XTC-SGMC, the droid foreman, processed the information. "Logical sequence of actions. Prioritizing civilian infrastructure is a strategic maneuver. Commencing with civilian projects for optimal efficiency."

Vossari clapped his hands together. "Well, wonderful. It seems unanimous. We will rebuild Kaas City, brick by brick, and restore the people's faith and trust in us. Their hearts are our true source of power, and their loyalty worth its weight in peggats." Vossari gestured to the foreman. "XTC - assemble the loader droids." He turned to the Selkath. "Angus, connect with our off world suppliers, and start bringing in construction materials."

Finally, he gestured to Ix-Zamara and Trael. "Get a few of the Cult's guards and join us in the field, Ix-Zamara." Vossari's eyes turned towards Trael. "We're going to attend some community meetings." A thrilling prospect. But, Vossari and Trael attending personally would give their ascent to power here a personal touch. Putting face-to-name could only help when Azar took this world, too.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael listened as the council provided its inputs. Each member added new information for him to mule over but none seemed opposed to his plan. The fact that having a cooperative relationship with the public could fuel the more mystical aspects of their takeover wasn’t even something he had considered before. The constant income stream did provide the means to continue expanding their hold. The droid simply got to work initiating protocols to begin repairs.

Voss quickly began to order around the various members of their tasks. Trael watched and listened silently, he was gauging the reactions of each member even Voss himself. The orders he gave to the foreman and Angus were focused on the reconstruction efforts. Trael was impressed by Voss’s quick response as he handed down the orders. It seems his hunch about him while on New Alderaan was true, Voss wasn’t really dumb.

He looked over when Voss gestured to him and Ix-Zamara. It seemed like they were going to play peacemaker for the local citizens. Voss had mentioned meetings meaning that there would be more than one, Trael hoped he had the patience for all of them. “Let’s go to some meetings then.” Trael stated, leading the group out of the room and into a rented speeder.

They got into the city in a few minutes, passing the now crumbling city walls. Just as they entered the ‘business’ district they saw a sign symbolizing a meeting of some kind in a nearby bar. Trael quickly drove them there and they went inside. “Draemond Varush and his corporation have bought most of the remaining industrial property. They have even bought the old military factories and have been retooling them to get them up and running.” The woman on stage proclaimed, “We need to band together with the people of the city to stop him from claiming us as well. The reports of how he treats the workers are disturbing to say the least.” She continued, “We also have the people who just bought the spacepor….” She trailed off spotting Trael, Voss and the sorceresses.

Trael looked around as the rest of the procession turned to look at them as well. “You don’t have to stop on our behalf. I’m curious of what your concerns are about the community, please continue.” He said taking a seat and motioning for the others to do so. The rest of the people seemed to whisper amongst themselves while the speaker seemed more uneasy now. “Are you sure that we’ll be allowed to speak freely?” She inquired to Trael and Voss, “Yes, we wouldn’t hamper the communities ability to bring issues to the table.” Trael stated bluntly, as the speaker continued bringing up concerns in the city and surrounding area.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Dromuund Kaas was a truly massive world. Even on the quickest speeder, which they did have, speeding across the jungle to the ruined cityscape took time. Makeshift bazaars filled destroyed buildings, as small shopkeepers jealousy hordes their wares in boarded-up shops.

Vossari's mask turned to Trael as he assured these leeches that their interests would be protected. It wasn't technically a lie, but it certainly wasn't the truth, either. They were here to massage the world into shape for their King, Darth Arcanos. If it was his wish to hear them out, then they could. But 'freely' implied actual freedom, which is something Vossari reserved for the Sith.

He wouldn't contradict Trael in front of these people, though. They were strongest on this mission as a united front. "Draemond Varush. Interesting name. Who is he?" The business community looked around one-another, eyes searching to make sure they trusted these two. They obviously did not. Vossari oozed untrustworthiness.

The woman spoke again. "The collective bane of our existences. He used to be a general in the Oligarchy. When that fell..." She sighed. "From AMS, to the fall of the Empire, to the fall of the Oligarchy, Dromuund Kaas has withstood." Her voice carried an exhaustion palpable in the room - these people wanted stability and peace more than any new ruler or any grand scheme. Vossari could smell it, like blood in the water. Their exhaustion made them feeble.

He ventured forwards, towards the podium, and used the Force to recall the microphone into his hand. A demonstration of the power at his fingertips. "I am Vossari Khaldun, proprietor of the Spaceport and a Sith." He let the last word hang in the air as he surveilled each of their faces, letting the surprise take hold. "We have come to return this world to prosperity. We are here to give your people a rest."

The group murmured lowly as Vossari stepped. The reaction he had hoped for - surprise. Shock. Curiosity. Distrust. "What if, we have no interest in being Sith again?" The woman on stage spoke with a pang of anger. "It's your Order that has caused all of our problems in the first place!"

Vossari chuckled, lowly. "On the contrary. Our great King will be your salvation. Arcanos, King of Korriban, has promised a miracle on this planet. In three weeks," Vossari demonstrated triumphantly with his fingers in the air, "Your housing stock will be rebuilt, your food supply secured, and your enemies broken." A definite time window. They didn't have the resources to make all these things happen at once - so they would need creativity.

Vossari locked their side into a hellish contract, but if they pulled it off, the name Arcanos would be synonymous with miracle. Whoever could deliver this planet from its wretched fate would be a hero to these people. Even if it was the devil himself.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael thought they would get an actual explanation about the other fisher in the pond, but instead he simply got teased. He let out a sigh as Vossari got up and headed to the podium. Here comes the theatrics. He watched as Voss announced his name and that he was a Sith. If this wasn’t Dromund Kaas that would’ve been a horrible judgement call.

Trael couldn’t help but applaud the boldness of the speaker. Not only did she question if they didn’t want to be sith, but she also openly blamed the Sith, to a Sith. Her voice even carried a hint of anger in it, he was curious how Voss would act, the Wrean’s unpredictability was something Trael found useful yet unsettling.

Trael blankly stared at Voss as he made his declaration of the miracle Azar had promised, Trael couldn’t recall hearing of this from Azar. Trael’s vacant stare quickly turned to a glare as Voss announced they would practically fix all of the planet’s problems in three weeks. Korriban couldn’t supply the food. The reconstruction wouldn’t be too bad, neither would taking out the opposition. The issue was finding a food source and implementing reliable means of transportation. Which meant they needed to expand the corporation if it was going to be used as more than just a mining company.

The congregation begun muttering between themselves some shouting towards the stage but all was mostly inaudible. The lady on the stage scoffed, “Three weeks? You expect us to buy that you can fix everything in three weeks?” She asked questioning the ridiculousness of Voss’s proposal, “If you do I’m sure the community would be more than grateful. But failing to live up to this promise might make them seek support elsewhere.” She said downtrodden, the city was getting to the point of needing someone to endorse it, if not it would quickly begin to dwindle further.

She turned to the rest of the gathering, “We will call a vote, do we trust in these Sith, or do we continue to take things into our own hands?” She asked the crowd, after a short while the ballots were quickly done and counted. Either due to fear of the two Sith butchering them for voting against them or genuine belief in Voss’s words they voted to trust in the Sith. Once the vote concluded Trael collected Voss and left the gathering. Once they were outside he turned to Voss, “Three weeks?!” He asked incredulously, “The only way to remotely make this work is completely shut down the transporting of minerals from Subterrel till we get some extra freighters.” He said exasperated, “That’s not even counting taking in the unknown forces of this other party. It seems we should call another strategy meeting instead of going to any community meetings now.” He said as he began texting the other board members to meet up at the space port, “Did you even run this miracle by Az-Arcanos?” He asked starting the speeder, and heading back to the spaceport.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari shrugged. "He wants the planet. Might as well make him look good when he gets it." He said, as he scoffed at Trael's concern. Three weeks was a whole lotta time, right? If they both put their heads down, who thinks they couldn't find an entire campaign against an unknown enemy, repair a broken economy, and prevent starvation? It could be done. Maybe. But it would take an actual miracle to do.

Luckily, they were in the business of making miracles, and had a cabal of sorcerers to do the job for them. "Actually, I think it might be good if we split up. You rally the council, strategize, all that..." Boring? "Fun stuff." Vossari headed for a separate speeder, to go into town. Trael could begin to rally the assets of the spaceport fully to his command. He hadn't visited this place since his trip with Freyja - there were sights to see. Buildings to re-explore. He had never really gotten to excavate. Besides, they didn't both need to attend community meetings. Vossari could take the more front-facing role. "Let's reconvene tonight. I hope you like caf - we're gonna need a lot of it."

He slid off his helmet as his speeder bike clipped into the wind, rocking through his braids. Crowded streets and hectic bazaars melted into the distance as Vossari ping-ponged across the city. He made various stops, listened to the whispers of the common folk. They spoke of declining trade, hard rains, and family. Common refrains. Yet, when he listened more, he learned the darker side. Vicious beast attacks from the jungle, prowling through the streets of the city at night. Ancient, mangled, droids slowly warred through the upper levels. The unchecked AMS victims prowled the deeper roads of the city.

And, deep, deep, within the ancient temples of the jungles of Dromuund Kaas, loomed Draemond Varush. Vossari was on one of their many, new worksites, examining the damage in the city. Blasterfire and blood stained the crumbling exterior. It was fresh. Neighbors spoke the name Varush lowly, but confirmed that he was the cause of the damage. His forces had arrested or assassinated the occupants of the home. It was unclear why.

Vossari slowly made his way towards his next destination as he ruminated. A meeting of laborers, held at a local bar. Vossari bought a round of moss-beers for the group as he listened to them, still thinking about the machinations of Varush behind the scenes. He occasionally returned to reality to hear the raucous laughter of the bar around him. He laughed along with them.

Eventually, as the sun fell into evening, Vossari returned to the spaceport. As his bike crossed through the jungle at night, a barrage of blaster fire crashed into his bike, sending him spinning through the air. He landed away from the wreckage, springing up on his feet as he ignited his lightsaber. Trael and Ix-Zamara would feel the call of telepathy. AMBUSH!

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael couldn’t fully dismiss Voss’s belief as he talked about setting Azar up to being liked already, but that didn’t make up for the insanely tight schedule he put them on. He had to find a food supplier, setup a transportation route, defend said route so there isn’t any hiccups and varies other logistical nightmares. ALL IN THREE WEEKS. A miracle wasn’t what they needed, the Force materializing before them and helping was what was needed.

Trael was still trying to begin laying out what they would need to even start on these goals, “I’ll strategize while you get the lay of the land.” He said in understanding of what Voss was saying. Trael couldn’t deny having the solitude on the trip back would help him plan a bit better. Under normal circumstances he wouldn’t feel to keen on leaving Voss to his own devices, but with this being for Azar he expected the Wrean to behave slightly. “I’ll see you in a few hours.” He said climbing into his speed with Ix-Zamara.

Trael’s speeder made it back to the spaceport with relative ease, their presence still largely unknown. Luckily when he got into the conference room everyone was present so he didn’t have to wait before he could start planning. The first thing he went over with the group was the largest hurdle of the promise, the food situation. Various worlds were named, various timetables and issues with the routes.

It seemed any world that could provide significant food the consistent way was too far or too dangerous of a path. Plus it would heavily hamper their funds and ability to build up the city, so that left one option, they needed to raid a world of its food supplies and use them for Dromuund Kaas. He looked over a star map trying to think of a world nearby that could supply enough for a cities worth of people, his gaze narrowed on Vanyai, it was a nearby resort world which meant it’d have food in abundance. He just needed to pool together some baseline resources to do a quick raid in their storage facilities and that would solve the food shortage and quickly.

Now he needed to work on the issue of Draemond. The resources and manpower at his disposal was unknown, not only that he was in control of the factories outside of the city. So any attack or assault would have to be made through the jungle. He’d need soldiers and equipment, luckily equipment wise they had the contract with R.H.E so they could get a couple AT-TE tanks. They just needed bodies, Zygerria could provide that but it’d be ill trained and equipped slaves. Apex was too expensive for such a simple operation. Most Mandalorians weren’t friendly to the Sith. He would rather not ask Azar for troops unless absolutely necessary.

He was closely working with Ix-Zamara and the foreman droid on formulating a plan using the Tund sorcerers. When suddenly he received a telepathic message from Voss stating he was ambushed. Trael and the sorceress sprinted out the door, a group of sorcerers meeting them as they left the spaceport. The sorceress quickly lead the teleportation ritual and teleported the group to Voss’ location. Luckily from all the teleporting with Azar his stomach was slightly more steeled for it, he only dry heaved rather than actually puked. He called his blade to his hand quickly splitting it apart and igniting both.

The sorcerers and Trael quickly rushed for cover. Ix and Trael launching balls of fire into the trees where the ambushers were shooting from. There looked to be ten of them and they were obviously droid in nature though it was too difficult to discern while taking cover. One of the droids peered over a rock and went to shoot at one of the sorcerers as it tried to help Voss get to proper cover, Trael coiled the Force around it the body crumpling on itself. “We need to get closer!” He called out to Voss, the two Sith being the only ones possessing lightsabers.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari used not only his lightsaber to fight. The water around them - in the stinking, hot jungle air, in the lush tropical fruits, in the rain, in the ponds arounds them...It all served him. A liquid stream, pressurized to its finest point, fought alongside his lightsaber, dancing about as it cut through droids and dissipated blaster bolts. Vossari himself cleaved through two droids, the only light on this dark eve the blaster fire itself.

Ix-Zamara remedied this, casting a locus of glowing, red orbs into the treeline to illuminate the dank jungle. She engaged with her own spells, concussive blasts and balls of fire and ice raining into the enemy droids. The discordant blasts of energy attracted even more of the jungle's attention. Again feeling the call of the Dark Side, Dromuund Kaas's fauna came to answer the challenge of the jungle for dominance. A pair of Jurgoran flitted into the melee, ripping through a droid and launching the severed pieces at Trael with a roar.

Voss continued to push forward through the spray of gunfire.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael was deflecting blaster bolts away from him and a couple of the sorceresses as they used spells to attack. A couple droids charged forward with vibroswords, believing they had a better chance at that. Trael sliced upwards catching one’s blade as he used his second saber to cut off the weapon arm. He sliced diagonally through it tossing the top half at the other droid, one of the sorceresses blasting it with a crykinesis attack from the opening.

He was about to rush forward when he noticed the two creatures coming out of the woods. They were about the size of Karys, which wasn’t a pleasant sight to see on a reptilian. They tore a droid apart and threw the pieces at him, which he simply diverted away from him. He motioned for the sorceresses to aid Voss as he pushed up, their pyro and cryo attacks joining the assault.

Trael faced the two creatures, his sabers at the ready. They both charged the Sith after a roar, Trael doing the same. Once he got close he used the Force to jump over the two beasts, flipping enough just to land facing them from behind. The two turned around quickly one slipping, giving Trael his opening. He threw his saber at the still standing creature while starting to run at it, it raised its arms to block the weapon out of instinct, the blade taking one off causing the creature to roar out in pain. As it let its guard down by gripping its severed arm Trael dashed forward with the Force, stabbing through the creature’s abdomen. Unluckily the creature was more resilient than expected and grabbed Trael picking him up, though this also was fatal for it as his saber moved upwards with the Sith. The beast went to squeeze his throat, when it dropped to its knees.

As it dropped and Trael was back on his feet he pried the fingers from around his neck. Calling back his second saber as the other one got up. Before he could ignite it the Jurgoran slashed at Trael causing the Sith to jump backwards, losing his footing and falling. He dropped his sabers on the floor as he put both his hands out and coiled the Force around the creature, its body slowly contorting in on itself as he crushed it, suddenly there was a loud cracking noise and Trael dropped the deformed body.

He collected his sabers, standing up and igniting them as he moved forward. Deflecting blaster bolts back at their senders catching two of the droids.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Eventually, after what felt like hours of fighting, they cut through the last of the ambushers. Vossari was left panting, as he clutched his ribs. A blaster bolt had hit him - he needed immediate medical care. That much he could reason. Draining the life of the animals around them wasn't enough to heal him.

Between panted breaths, he reached onto Ix-Zamara's shoulder to steady himself. "It seems that Varush has caught wind of us." Vossari mused, unable to stop scheming even as he was injured. "I'll have one of the Selkath tend to my wounds." Having a cult active in the Kolto industry had its perks.

After they teleported back to their lodgings in the spaceport district, Vossari hurled. He had seen their teleportation before, but never experienced it firsthand. Afterwards, he locked himself inside a kolto chamber and, under watch of armed Selkath guard, went to sleep.

The morning finally came, and when Vossari left the kolto chamber, he felt much better. Not perfectly healed, but ready to get back to work. He reassembled the council.

"If Varush knows who we are, we have to strike at him now." Fueled in part by petty vengeance, of course. "Who knows how long before he sends infiltrator droids to assassinate us in our sleep."

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael was standing over a couple droid bodies as the battle came to a close. Like Voss he had some wounds from the battle, though Trael’s were mostly superficial, a few grazings from blaster bolts. He did have a vibroknife lodged in his arm that was deactivated. But compared to Voss Trael was relatively fine.

Trael glanced over to Voss as he mentioned that Varush may have discovered them, “It seems word of your miracle has spread quite far.” Trael stated, as he clipped his sabers together and back on his belt. He looked over his torn shirt, “I could use some bacta or kolto spray.” He mused aloud.

When they reached the spaceport Trael watched as Voss threw up, he used the Force to ensure it didn’t hit him, he wasn’t about to repeat Nar Shaddaa. While Voss sat in his kolto chamber, Trael took the knife out of his arm and began taking care of his wounds. He used a combination of bacta spray and pads to seal the wounds before working with the Tund Sorcerers they had to organize a defense. Once it was set up he went to sleep.

Voss had summoned the council to meet, so Trael was here leaning on the table as he called for action against Varush, “We don’t have the forces to take on Varush.” Trael stated, currently they had only a handful of Tundite and Selkath sorcerers plus themselves. “I can procure us equipment that will be here within a week. We will still need to find some soldiers.” He said trying to prevent the two of them being captured or worse.

Over the next few hours Trael would work with the council to purchase and order a pair of repulsortanks and a single LAAT gunship from R.H.E that was in league with the Sith now. They also sent inquires to Zygerria for troops which sent mostly a slave legion, consisting of roughly one hundred poorly equipped and malnourished slaves. On top of that they got a few dozen actual soldiers to man the vehicles. Over the course of the next four days everything would start piling into the spaceport district, war was brewing in the planet, and only one side would win.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

While Trael fetched equipment, Vossari would find soldiers. His ventures across the galaxy had brought him into contact with all shady sorts - Epicanthrix, mercenaries, pirates, and others in need of quick coin. If all they needed were bodies for the machine, they could certainly find some. But Vossari noticed that they had an untapped resource right in their midst - the people themselves. "While Zygerrian slave-soldiers and their limited forces would be something of a vanguard, we could embed ourselves with the people to crush Varush." Their active worksites had attracted crowds to their attention, excited at the prospect of having livable housing. Such common things made them incredibly persuadable, and the Sith could use the goodwill they were building as a currency.

While Trael procured weapons, Vossari procured loyalists. Voss and the cultists traveled back to the city, taking a deliberate, safe path in the middle of the day towards the city. As Vossari began to regale crowds about the power of the Sith, Ix-Zamara and Angus Neet subtly influenced the minds of the crowd. It was not overt hypnosis, or breaking into one's mind, but just...suggestion. Suggesting that these people rise up. Suggesting that they take up arms against Draemond Varush. Suggesting that they declare eternal loyalty to the Sith cause.

Vossari promised safety and refuge for the wartorn residents of the city in exchange for loyalty. Some volunteered themselves as soldiers in exchange for safe passage for their families. Some offered to work at the spaceport, helping to assemble the material weapons that arrived in the port daily. In total, as the days went on, the numbers at the spaceport swelled as average, untrained citizens began to train in basic shooting, stabbing, and military tactics. Three weeks would not be enough to whip them into any kind of meaningful shape, but a wave of conscripts led by the Sith could do more than one might imagine.

More importantly, the ideological war in the city had begun. Vossari marked the Spaceport as Sith territory clearly, inching closer and closer to the city proper and Draemond Varush's land. At the end of the fourth day, by the time the repulser tanks had arrived, Vossari had embedded himself with some local hunters who acted as jungle scouts.

A tall, thin human with a scraggly beard and an energy bow appeared in a conference room before Vossari and Trael. He smiled a craggy smile as he pulled a dirty map from his pocket. "Gentlemen - m'name's Tog Big'Og. We dun lived on this 'ere land for centuries." Voss nodded as he pressed his hands together, gathering his thoughts.

"Me an' my boys 'ave found ol' Draemond's castle, out there in the bayou."

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael had secured the machine part of their war machine. With Zygerrian slaves as the meat they need to contend with Draemon’s forces. While he was focused on overseeing the incoming weapons and troops, Voss had done well in securing the towns favor. It wasn’t long before the spaceport looked and felt more like a fortress.

Trael’s request for a dozen or so proper soldiers was met. So when the citizens began pouring in they had some people to train them. There was hundreds of people training, between the slave legion and citizens. A proper army was forming, but they didn’t have the time to spare to fully whip them into shape. The final day of gaining materials had come. Trael was known among the soldiers as he was taking an active role in the training and utilization of the weapons and equipment.

Trael was summoned by Voss to a conference room with a report of Draemond’s whereabouts. While Tog explained his reports Trael looked over the map. If they were to succeed in this battle understanding the terrain and how it could be utilized was paramount. “It being in the bayou benefits us more than Varush. We have numerous hydromancy specialists here.” He said turning his gaze to Voss, “You and the Selkath will be crucial to the battle.” He was thinking of a strategy that would minimize the need for their troops.

He looked back to the jungle hunter, “Could you scout around the castle and inform Vossari how the water was around it.” He said to the hunter, his gaze turning back to Voss, “If we can draw them into a part of the bayou that’s walkable you could turn the water around them to acid. I can pick off a chunk of them using cryokinesis. It’ll weaken their numbers significantly and ensure we have the troops necessary for a siege.” Trael explained, the biggest issue would be drawing out the troops. They’d be looking for Sith, he could simple walk in with his saber out then retreat into Voss’s ambush. If not the fact it’s a bayou would mean no matter where they fight the area would be wet enough for Voss and him to use.

The days continued passing, Trael continued overseeing the training. The number of citizens joining only grew as Draemond grew desperate and more vicious. The hunters continued bringing their information on the bayou, allowing Trael to slowly piece together a map for Vossari and him to work with. A week had passed and everything was in place. Trael and Voss were at the head of an army of slaves and conscripts. The two repulsors flanked them, needing the room to maneuver. The LAAT was ordered to follow behind a few minutes as to remain a surprise.

The army arrived at the bayou surrounding the castle. Trael turned to the army to address them, “Draemond Varush sits hiding in his swamp castle. After today he will no longer have a hold on this planet or its people. He will no longer drag your family members away with no information and get rid of any who question it. Today, we take this planet for a new King. One who has already done more in a week for the people than Draemond Varush has done in years. One who wants to see it prosper not drain it of its life.” He said using the Force to project his voice across the army, “If in the heat of battle you feel yourself wavering, remember that the individual next to you is now your brother and that you fight for a worthy cause. No bond is stronger than that made in battle. And no cause is as worthy as laying down your life for those important to you. So today fight as beasts. For you fight for your brothers in arms. You fight for your families. You fight for your King. You fight for DROMUND KAAS!” He said, the army began to cheer and chant. The sound of troops marching came from the castle as battle droids began to file out. The chanting of the army had made the enemy aware of their presence. Trael looked over to Voss as his sabers ignited, “You ready to claim this planet for Arcanos or die trying?” He asked the Wrean as he turned back towards the approaching enemies.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari loved when a scheme came together. While Trael played the part of brave commander and honorable soldier, Vossari rallied the Shadow Wizard Money Gang to his side. Selkath and Sorceresses toiled around a cauldron, preparing a ritual powerful enough to enhance Acridia's transmutation abilities for a massive surprise attack. It certainly took some preparation. While the soldiers prepared for a front assault, Vossari and the Order of Shasa cultists took to the waters of the swamp, applying a mush made old blood and viscera stolen from a lab in Dromuund Kaas.

With a clever combination of blood sorcery, Acridia, and the powerful of a coalition of sorcerers, they could do it. They built a ritual circle from beneath the swamp itself, surrounding the fortress with an arcane circle. When it was complete, Vossari used the powers he had learned from the Tundians to teleport to the front, landing behind Trael as he gave a rallying speech. Voss was impressed - whether genuine or manipulative, Trael had put in the man-hours to build rapport with the soldiers. When Trael asked if Voss was ready to throw his life away for Arcanos, he smiled from under his helm. "Always."

Voss flicked his lightsaber on as Varush responded. The maw of the fortress opened, snapping through ancient, overgrown vines, as hordes of slowly moving, rusted droids began to fire against the the citizens of Dromuund Kaas. Not a single organic amongst them, it seemed like. Voss began to deflect blaster bolts as he backed away. "My sorcerers are ready. Give the call, Trael."

Varush himself still made no appearance.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

As the battle raged on between droid and soldier, clever uses of magic helped Vossari and Trael outmaneuver the otherwise superiorly armed droids. The entire swamp turned to acid, consuming droids as the sorcerers worked it into a tidal wave to crash through the building's front doors. The Sith led the way, aided by their allies, and made a startling discovery:

Draemond Varush was not a person at all. An AI had gone rogue, after years of disrepair and general lack of maintenance, and gained delusions of grandeur. Unlike a person, a machine could be completely controlled - the Sith were able to pacify the errant AI and reclaim the fortress for themselves. With the droids defeated, the battle was over. Between housing and Varush, two of Vossari's promises had been completed.

The fortress held the key to the third. Within the vast halls of the technological wonderland, rows and rows of stocked food, hydroponics, fresh water filled the halls. All of it had been slowly pilfered by Varush over the years - it had no need for sustenance, but too realized the power of food as a tool of control.

With the Sith's great task completed, they returned to the city and spaceport not as vicious conquerors, but as heroes. Just the way King Arcanos would have wanted. As Vossari and Trael departed their mission, Voss had only one thing on his mind: The party for Trael that Azar was holding.

/thread end

@Javier esschoolbus